Discover Us
The Growing Academy’s success is attributed by the competency of the team. Our therapists work with our families and children in centre, preschool and one-on-one settings and carry out meaningful goals to help our children achieve their maximum potential. Our therapists have at least a Bachelor’s degree some with Master’s degree from local and overseas universities. Our therapists are also trained by external trainers and speakers related to special needs so that they are well equipped with the right skills to classes when providing care and intervention to our children.
The Growing Academy recognizes that each child is unique and strongly believes in customizing interventions to fit the needs of each child. By incorporating the principles of Applied Behvaiour Analysis (ABA), we help students learn skills by breaking down complex tasks into smaller manageable steps. The Growing Academy has successfully helped students improve their quality of living by enabling them master skills essential for daily living. The Growing Academy has also helped many students bridge the gap between mainstream and special needs learning, such that these students are able to integrate back into mainstream schools for their future education.
Ling is an associate psychologist and Applied Behaviour Analysis (ABA) Therapist for almost 7 years. Ling specialises in working with children with complex needs, trained in behaviour, communication and motor needs. She has gained extensive knowledge and skills working with children and adolescents with mild to severe disorders, including in private and government sector.
Ling has worked with the Ministry of Social and Family services in Singapore as an Associate Psychologist where she provided trainings to caregivers and workshops to teachers and other allied professional, conducted Intelligence Quotient(IQ) Testing and developed behavioural management interventions for her clients. She also works extensively with mainstream schools to facilitate the transition as well as learning needs for her clients in the schools. Ling uses a holistic approach to achieve the best possible outcomes. She has seen and managed a diverse caseload with clients ranging from children to adults with the following conditions:
· Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD)
· Sensory Integration Dysfunction (SID)
· Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD)
· Global Developmental Delay (GDD)
· Down Syndrome
· Epilepsy
· Learning Disabilities
In 2017, Ling co-founded The Growing Academy. The Growing Academy specializes in providing a blend of preschool curriculum and therapies under one setting. The school aims to support children with needs by helping them meet their milestones and bridge the gap between mainstream teaching structure and special needs. Ling’s greatest hope is to develop innovative solutions to help as many clients (children and adults) to access proper early intervention and ABA therapy services, as well as raise awareness locally and internationally
Accreditations and Certifications in:
Bachelor of Arts in Psychology with Honours (University At Buffalo, New York, United States)
Registered Behavior Technician (Behavior Analyst Certification Board)
Trained in Picture Exchange Communication System (PECS)
Trained in Treatment and Education of Autistic and related Communication Handicapped Children (TEACCH)
Social thinking (Michelle Garcia Winner)
Sensory Regulation & Decoding the Autistic Brain (Kim Barthel)
Summer Bachelor’s programme at University of California Berkeley (UC Berkeley)
Certified Interplay Therapy Practitioner (Interplay Therapy Australia)
Yang Ling
Le is a certified Registered Behavior Technician(RBT). She is passionate about working with children with special needs and firmly believes that a child will lead an improved quality of life with a holistic approach in early intervention.
Le has more than 8 years of experiences working with children, youths, parents and primary school teachers in training and aiding students with needs to integrate into the mainstream classroom.
She has clinical experience working with children with developmental disorder such as Autism, GDD, Celebral Palsy, ADHD and Selective Mutism. Le is trained in a wide range of evidenced-based approaches to having a functional ABA session.
Accreditations and Certifications in:
Registered Behavior Technician (Behavior Analyst Certification Board)
Certificate in Special Needs Education
Communication in Autism - Differences and Support Strategies (Amanda Reed)
Sensory Regulation & Decoding the Autistic Brain (Australia) (Kim Barthel)
Certificate in Dyspraxia (Maude Le Roux Academy)
Registered Interplay Therapy Practitioner (Interplay Therapy Australia)
Yang Le
Amanda holds a Bachelor's Degree in Psychology (Latin Honours) from the University at Buffalo, New York and Bachelors of Psychological Science (Honours) from James Cook University.
Amanda is dedicated and passionate in providing early intervention and Applied Behaviour Analysis (ABA) to help children strive for their best. She believes in taking a collaborative approach in partnership with parents and school to maximise children's learning potential.
Accreditations and Certifications in:
HANDLE Introductory Course (Level 1 & level 2) (Mary E. Robson)
Cognitive Behaviour Therapy for adults and children (Chris Basten)
Innovative Assessment and Intervention for Autism Spectrum Disorder (Maude Le Roux)
From Sensory Processing to Executive Functioning (Maude Le Roux)
Registered Behavior Technician (Behavior Analyst Certification Board)
Amanda Soh
Nara holds a Bachelor Of Education in Early Childhood Education from Monash University and Diploma in Psychology and a Diploma in Early Childhood care and Education.
Prior to her tenure in The Growing Academy, She was an English Preschool Teacher for a span of 6 years at a global preschool here in Singapore and in Harbin, China. As an early childhood professional, she strives to provide the best quality of education and care for children while fostering an affirmative partnership with families. She feels privileged to have worked with children of varying needs and families of various multi-cultural backgrounds.
One of her favourite quotes as an Early Childhood Educator is: “If children feel safe, they can take risks, ask questions, make mistakes, learn to trust, share their feelings, and grow.” by Alfie Kohn. By creating a safe and appropriate learning environment for the children under my care, she strives to create opportunities for a hands-on experience that evokes investigation, discovery and experimentation in the process of knowledge acquisition. She hopes to be able to facilitate their curiosity and nurture their character through role modelling, patience and guidance.
All in all, she personally believes that if children are given the necessary tools to succeed, they will succeed beyond their wildest dreams.
Narathorn Muenrew
Yen Chiew is a Board Certified Behavior Analyst (BCBA) in Singapore.
She started her career as a behavior therapist upon completion of her degree. Yen Chiew has 11 years of experience working with children with autism and other related special needs, between the ages of 18 months and 14 years. When pursuing her master’s degree in the UK, Yen Chiew volunteered herself as a play worker at a non-profit organisation that provides care for children who are less privileged. She has also worked as a dyslexia program coordinator for children with learning difficulties in Malaysia. Her work experience includes providing individualized centre/home therapy, conducting assessments, planning treatment goals, conducting playgroups, school shadowing, conducting parent/therapist training, etc.
Yen Chiew feels that working with children with special needs to be challenging yet fulfilling. She enjoys her ABA work and is motivated being a facilitator in their learning journey.
Accreditations and Certifications in:
Board Certified Behavior Analyst (BCBA) (Behavior Analyst Certification Board)
MSc. in Clinical Child Psychology (Anglia Ruskin University, UK)
BSS. in Psychology (Universiti Tunku Abdul Rahman, Malaysia)
HANDLE Introductory Course Level 1 and 2 (The HANDLE Institute)
'Smarter Phonics' workshop Level 2 and 3 (Dyslexia Association of Sarawak)
Lee Yen Chiew
Ellice is a paediatric occupational therapist with a history of working in a public hospital, community schools, private clinic and an Early Intervention Programme for Infants and Children (EIPIC) Centre in Singapore and Australia. I enjoy working with children aged from 2 to 8 years with Autism Spectrum, Global Developmental Delay, Cerebral Palsy and various syndromes. I am looking for a role in an exciting and dynamic team that will give me the opportunity to challenge and develop my clinical skills, all the while contributing to my enthusiasm, developing clinical analysis and knowledge of OT processes to provide client-centred therapy.
Accreditations and Certifications in:
Masters of Occupational Therapy, The University of Queensland, Australia
AHPC Registered
Family Centred Practice
Transdisciplinary approach
Routine based intervention
Self-regulation and Decoding the Autistic Brain (Kim Barthel) Picture Exchange Communication System - Phase 1
4 Perceive Recall Plan Perform (PRPP) (Susan Lowe) Introduction to Neuro-developmental treatment (Kim Barthel)
Learn to Play Program (Karen Stagnitti)
Introductory Course on Sensory Integration Intervention with Children (Stephanie Bodison)
Blending Sensory Processing Intervention with Neuro- Developmental Treatment (Ms Kim Barthel and Mr Pathnapuram Manoj)
Science of Seating and Active Mobility (Amy Bjornson)
Introduction to Paediatric Aquatic Therapy Handwriting Without Tears Program
The Alert Program®Early Start Denver Model (ESDM) training
Ellice Fan
Phooi Yin has been a Board Certified Assistant Behavior Analyst (BCaBA) since 2019. She has 11 years of experience and has worked with children and teenagers on the spectrum (between the ages of 2 to 18 years) since the completion of her Psychology degree. Phooi Yin also has an interest in working with clients from different cultural backgrounds, as reflected in the year she spent in Australia as a behavior therapist. After her experience in Australia, she then went on to pursue her BCaBA credentials before continuing in the field as a supervisor. Her work experience includes conducting assessments, planning treatment goals, providing training to therapists and family members, and overseeing social learning and play groups. She is also a supervisor for therapists, an instructor for the ABA Technician credential course (ABAT) and has been a speaker for public talks on ABA. Phooi Yin believes that every individual has a unique way of learning -and being able to participate in the process of identifying and implementing effective teaching as well as seeing firsthand the progress of her students, motivates her to continue serving in this field.
Accreditations and Certifications in:
Board Certified Assistant Behavior Analyst (BCaBA; Behavior Analyst Certification Board)
BSS. In Psychology (Universiti Tunku Abdul Rahman, Malaysia)
“Smarter Phonics” workshop Level 1 (Dyslexia Association of Sarawak)
Verbal Behavior Therapy (ABA-VB)
Early Start Denver Model (ESDM)
Phooi Yin
長年にわたって、新生児から成（老）人まですべての救急医療や集中治療に携わってきました。また、認可保育園においても、園児と施設内の関係者の保健衛生管理に務めました。彼女は発達障害を持つ子ども達との臨床経験もあり、様々なニーズを持つ子ども達やその家族と良好な関係を築き、最高のケアを提供することに努めました。
渡星後はThe Growing Academyにおいて、豊富な知識と経験を活かし、ABAセラピストとして活動しています。
ローカルだけでなく、シンガポールで生活する日本人の子ども達とその家族のためにも、安全で適切なサポートを提供し、社会に適応できるよう子ども達の生活の質を向上させることを目指しています。
免許と資格：
・看護師免許
・心理カウンセラー資格
・Child First Aid with AED Course
・Registered Behavior Technician (Behavior Analyst Certification Board)
Ai Murakami
Hafizah is an early intervention teacher with over 12 years of experience in the field. She worked closely with children with special needs and their families together with other professionals through skills and strategies that would support them and quality intervention that could help improve their quality of life at home and in the society. Hafizah believes that through nurturing every child with the love and respect, they will grow to do the same.
Accreditations and Certifications in:
Diploma In Psychology
Higher certificate in Autism
Certificate in Autism
Structured Teaching (TEACCH)
Picture Exchange Communication (PECS)
Assessment, Evaluation and Programming System (AEPS)
Certificate in Special Education
The Hanen programme
Hafizah
Winona holds a Bachelor’s Degree in Pyschology from the National University of Singapore.
Winona strongly believes that each child is special and has their own unique set of tools and needs to be met. With the right support, guidance as well as collaborative partnership with parents and schools, these children stand a chance to move forward and excel in their lives regardless of which pathways they choose to take. She is grateful that she is able to be part of these children’s learning journeys and strives to support them as best as she can.
Accreditations and Certifications in:
Bachelor’s Degree in Psychology, National University of Singapore
Registered Interplay Therapy Practitioner (Interplay, Play Therapy Australia)
Winona Ding
Prior to The Growing Academy, Pavitra was trained as an Applied Behaviour Analysis - Verbal Behaviour (ABA-VB) therapist with a focus on academics. She works closely with children with learning difficulties in mainstream and special schools through 1:1 individual therapy and shadowing to help them to reach their full academic potential.
Pavitra is well versed in primary school curriculum and believes in following a step-by-step approach as well as ensuring conducive classroom methods to help children with learning and sensory challenges understand academic concepts better to help them excel in their educational path.
She believes that every child is different and encourages the the children to challenge themselves academically to attain their educational goals while having fun along the way!
Accreditations and Certifications in:
WebABBLS ABLLS-R assessment
Bridging Talents: Handling Sensory Issues in the Classroom
Pavitra
Namira holds a Bachelor of Science (Honours) in Psychology with Counselling from University of Northampton, UK. Prior to The Growing Academy, Namira gained experience at Singapore Brain Development Centre for 4.5 years where she worked on the physical, social, emotional as well as cognitive aspect of therapy with neurotypical and special needs children of various ages.
Namira has dedicated herself in working with children with special needs as she believe that with the right support, they are able to reach their full potentials in life and achieve great milestones.
Accreditations and Certifications in:
DIRFloortime®️ 101 Course: An Introduction to DIRFloortime for Parents and Professionals (ICDL)
DIRFloortime®️ 201 Course: Promoting Basic Functional Emotional Development (ICDL)
Fundamentals of Learning Disability (Social Service Institute Singapore)
Introduction to Play Therapy (National University Singapore)
Introduction to Sandtray Therapy (National University Singapore)
Developmental Play Foundation (CreateCATT)
Introduction to Praxis & Dyspraxia (Maude Le Roux Academy)
Introduction to Attachment (Maude Le Roux Academy)
Namira
Prior to The Growing Academy, Ela has both volunteered for programs and worked with individuals with special needs (children and adults). She believes that every individual is unique and deserves the necessary support and guidance to excel to the best of their abilities. She encourages child directed learning and creating meaningful interactions and experiences.
Accreditations and Certifications in:
Diploma in Child Psychology and Early Education, specialised in early intervention
Associate degree of Arts, Bachelor of Ministry
Registered Behavior Technician (Behavior Analyst Certification Board)
Elakiya
Selia holds a Bachelor's Degree in Psychology (Honours) from Nanyang Technological University.
Having previously worked in an Early Intervention Programme for Infants and Children (EIPIC) Centre, Selia collaborated with a team of teachers and therapists to conduct intervention for children with special needs. This experience, coupled with her education background, gives her a holistic perspective of a child's development and intervention. She believes that each child has their own individuality and set of strengths, and seeks to empower children to flourish and become the best versions of themselves. She loves that she gets to learn and grow alongside these children!
Selia Kee
Evva began her career working with special needs children right after her graduation. With nine years of experience, she has had the privilege of supporting children and teenagers on the autism spectrum, spanning ages from 18 months to 23 years old. Prior to The Growing Academy, her work has taken her through various settings which including home-based 1:1 session, Applied Behavioural Centre (ABA), Early Intervention Programme for Infants and Children (EIPIC) and shadow therapy in primary school.
Recognizing the importance of a holistic approach, she delved into Waldorf Early Childhood Education in 2017. This path allowed her to explore child development from a broader perspective, emphasizing not only cognitive growth but also emotional, physical, and creative play aspects. She completed her 2-years practicum at a Waldorf Kindergarten located in Singapore.
Evva firmly believes that viewing children holistically is paramount. When we see children as whole beings, we consider their physical health, emotional well-being, cognitive abilities and language development. By nurturing all these facets, we empower children to thrive and reach their full potential.
Accreditations and Certifications in:
• Bachelor of Science (Hons) in Psychology
• Waldorf Early Childhood Teaching Training Program
• Registered Behavioural Technician
• Play Therapy (Level 1 – Level 3)
Evva Teh
Vienna graduated with a Diploma in Psychology and started working with special needs children since 3 years ago. Currently pursuing a Degree in Psychology, Vienna is interested to know how children with special needs see the world, so that she too, may be able to understand and integrate herself into their world as a behavioural therapist.
Vienna
Yi Xuan graduated from James Cook University with a Bachelor of Psychological Science (Honours) degree in 2023. Previously, she has worked as a shadow teacher and a special needs assistant educator, garnering hands-on experience in working with and engaging special needs children with diverse learning, social and behavioural needs.
Yi Xuan has great passion in working with and bettering the lives of children with special needs, by helping them develop skills beneficial to their growth. She is especially keen on providing them with individualised teaching styles and strategies, to cater to their unique way of learning as she believes that enhancing their learning experiences will translate to improvements in other domains of their life as well (e.g., social, emotional, and behavioural development).
Yi Xuan is an analytical, observant and patient individual, who believes that understanding every child (i.e., their strengths, needs, likes, triggers, behavioural tendencies) is the key to effectively working with and helping them reach developmental goals.
Yi Xuan
Aurea graduated with a bachelor's degree in Psychology (honours) from James Cook University. She has experience in conducting Applied Behaviour Analysis therapy - Verbal Behaviour for children aged 3 to 15 years old. She has also provided school shadow support for special needs children. She believes in creating a safe and fun environment for the children to support optimal learning. She enjoys teaching children and is happy to see them grow and progress!
Accreditations and Certifications in:
Sensory ideas in the classroom- Maude Le Rouxe Academy
Fostering emotional regulation- Institute of Child Psychology
Aurea Pascua
Jaime graduated with a degree in Psychology. She made the decision to pursue a career working with special needs children, driven by her belief that with the appropriate support and guidance, each child has the potential to flourish. Jaime is also confident that her work in this field will deepen her understanding of special needs children, allowing her to make a meaningful impact in their lives.
